Cats in Portugal: rules and travel
Dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered in the national SIAC database within 120 days of birth, and dogs need an annual licence from the local junta de freguesia.
Municipalities and juntas de freguesia issue dog licences and set local rules, and the Azores and Madeira have their own entry checks from the mainland.
Registration and microchip
Cats must be registered in SIAC by a vet, like dogs.[1]
Cats must be microchipped and registered in SIAC within 120 days of birth.[2]
Keeping rules
Rabies vaccination is not compulsory for cats and ferrets in Portugal.[2]
Travelling to Portugal with a cat
The pet travels with its owner and needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination given at 12 weeks or older and valid from 21 days after the primary vaccination, and an EU pet passport. Maximum 5 pets per vehicle.[3]
The pet needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (12 weeks or older, valid from 21 days after the primary vaccination), an animal health certificate valid 10 days for the entry checks, and a signed non-commercial declaration. It must enter through a travellers' point of entry. Maximum 5 pets per vehicle.[4]
Needed for pets from non-EU countries that are not on the EU list. Blood sample at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before the certificate is issued, tested at a designated laboratory, result 0.5 IU/ml or more. Not needed when travelling between EU countries.[4]
The EU entry conditions list no quarantine for pets that meet them.[4]
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.